https://spacescoop.org/en/scoops/2115/fireworks-in-the-universe-with-a-record-and-a-twist/

Gamma-ray bursts, or GRBs, are huge explosions at the heart of distant galaxies — in fact, the most energetic and brightest events in the whole Universe! These bursts can last from a few milliseconds to several hours. 

 

Astronomers classify these events into two general categories:

- Short GRBs that last less than two seconds and are believed to result from the merging of neutron stars. And…

- Long GRBs that last longer than two seconds and are believed to start with supernova explosions, caused by the death of massive stars. 

 

A team using the Gemini North Observatory has just found that gamma-ray bursts do not always fit the boxes astronomers have created for them. They saw a 0.6-second GRB coming from a supernova explosion in a distant galaxy. At less than 2 seconds duration it should be the result of a neutron star merger, not a supernova! So it’s the shortest ever seen of its kind!

 

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